Lesson Objectives for Mythology and Rocky

• Explain the purpose of myths and the role they serve for society.
• Why does every society create its own myths?
• Explain the characteristics of a hero and be able to compare your own life to this ideal.
• Compare and contrast Rocky with Odysseus.

Why do these stories really matter?

• One of the most important things that humans do.
• Everyone tells myths/stories. Every culture of every time produces myths/stories.
• Myths can be entertaining, educational, inspirational, and insightful.
• Myths exist to answer human questions that don’t have quick, unambiguous answers.
• For example, myths explore questions about the meaning of life, death, immortality, love, nature.

What does the Greek word “mythos” mean?

• The Greek word “mythos” means “story.”
• English: story
• Latin: fabula
• Greek: mythos

Explain how mythology is just as true as science

• Not saying that a myth is false or wrong. Mythology is a way of understanding the world and is as important and “true” as science or math.
• Science fails to describe very important things—things that we think are true.
• In other words, a scientific or math formula (x2+ y2=c2) cannot explain the whole range of what it means to be a human being.

Explain how a truth can come from a story.

• People know that some things that are true can’t be described with scientific (F=ma)or mathematical language (2 +5=7).
• Those truths have to come through symbolic stories.
• When people find stories that contain symbols that point to those important truths, they respond (e.g., Odysseus and Rocky are symbols for perseverance and tenacity (teneo=to hold).

What truths can a myth/story provide?

• They provide people with a view of the world and a set of values that can be as important as any verifiable fact.
• “The Road Not Taken” provides us with a truth about following your own path and not trying to be like others.
• The Odyssey provides us with a truth about not giving up on your goals and persevering through difficulties (and not letting things steal your world).
• The story of Rocky provides us with the myth of the American Dream (Everyone has a "shot" at the dream).
• Dead Poets’ Society provides us with the truth of seizing the day and making every moment count.
• The Family Man provides us with the truth of finding out what is of true value in your life.
• Crimson Tide provides us with the truth of standing up for what you believe in the most difficult of circumstances.

Does America have a myth?

• Greece and Rome had many myths that reflect their culture and way of life (Odysseus, Hercules, Jason and the Argonauts, Orpheus and Eurydice, Pandora, and Narcissus to name only a few).
• Does America have a myth (story) that reflects its culture and way of life?
• Yes, we do, and it is called Rocky or the American Dream.

The Americain Dream

What is the point of a myth/story like Rocky?

• "Sometimes I think you can learn more from short stories than novels, simply because the author gets to his/her point much quicker and is more concise with descriptions. Authors don't write just to write. Authors have a purpose. Authors have a point they want to convey, whether it be a moral lesson or an insight into life that gives a new perspective. Short story authors want you to gain from their experiences and enhance your life. They want you to learn lessons through their mistakes, their successes and their relationships. I've always thought that if an author knew that he/she made the reader examine life more closely which led to an improvement in that life, then he/she would consider the short story a success. That, in my opinion, is the purpose of reading short stories."
• http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/whats-purpose-reading-short-story-46585...

Why do we need heroes today?

• Heroes pick us up when we’re down: Life inevitably hands us personal setbacks and failings. Failed relationships, failed businesses, and health problems are common life experiences for us. Heroes inspire us to overcome whatever adversity we’re facing. Heroes lift us up when we’re personally in danger of falling down emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Heroes give us hope. They are beacons of light (Ad Lucem) whom we can count on to do the right thing.

Am I a Hero?

• Yes, you are. In fact, the value and appeal of the hero myth increases with the realization that we are all heroes in miniature. Although we do not possess all, or even most of the characteristics of the mythical hero, and our achievements will soon be forgotten, each of us must undertake tasks that are difficult (getting up for school sometimes), and appear at times to be impossible.

Characterisics of a hero

• A real hero is someone who faces everyday challenges bravely and lives with a smile despite problems and shortcomings.
• Courage, Determination, Perseverance, Sacrifice, and Humility.